Denver’s 2nd Silent Film Festival Celebrates Early Cinema

Denver's 2nd Silent Film Festival Celebrates Early Cinema

Festival Coverage by Darwyn Carson – It’s official: The Denver Silent Film Festival is now an annual event! An opening gala—at the Seawell Ballroom on September 21st—heralds the start of its second year.

This time last year, I was lucky enough to be in Colorado for its launching: three days of screenings (personal favorite: Josef von Sternberg’s 1927 gangster drama Underworld), with musical accompaniment (by the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra, Hank Troy and Donald Sosin) and lively conversation.

Alexander Payne took time out from his Descendants commitments to participate in presenting his mentor, David Shepard, with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Payne’s speech, about being a young film student and the effect the revered archivist had on him and his choices later on as a working filmmaker, was very moving. It was obvious that the two shared a great affection and respect for one another.

The University of Colorado and various sponsors make the event happen. Former Dean David Dynak shared the inspiration for this “celebration of the art that is silent film” with last year’s attendees:

“Our Denver Silent Film Festival began…over lunch conversation with Monteine Hansl (Executive Director)… and Howie Movshovitz (Artistic Director). Those two convinced me that if we were to host the (festival) in the Collegeof Arts and Media we would create an incredible cultural event for the city of Denver and for our students and I said, ‘Let’s do it.’ ”

It was an exuberant affair. As a University of Colorado Boulder alum, I was proud to be part of the inaugural audience and just as pleased to learn that it’s on again. Hoorah for Denver and the University!

This year’s program is also jam-packed.

The first feature immediately following Friday evening’s gala is William Wellman’s Wings, with a Q & A, at the film’s end, between Howie Movshovitz and the director’s son, William Wellman, Jr.

The following day, what’s sure to be another highlight: An Hour with Serge and David, features a discussion between two equally accomplished film archivists, Serge Bromberg of France’s Lobster Films (this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient) and David Shepard.

And remember the subject of Scorsese’s award winning Hugo? George Méliès’ 1902 masterpiece, A Trip to the Moon, will be presented by Monsieur Bromberg who, in fact, helped to restore this treasure in its original hand-colored form.

Of course, a special by product of being a University co-production is participation of the College of Media and Arts’ student body. In fact, renowned composer and conductor Donald Sosin, who taught Music Master Classes at last year’s event, returns with Joanna Seaton to do the same again. Sosin will conduct the completed original score at Saturday’s screening of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.

Another unique treat: A Program of New Short Silent Films by the UCD film students. How fun is that?

What better way to spread awareness and appreciation for silent film to today’s young filmmakers and musicians.

There’s much-much more, so be sure to click HERE to get the complete schedule of events, times and venues.